Tuesday, February 12, 2008

I haven't been to a show in I don't know how long (I did have to skip a few), and I'm getting antsy. Here's a look at some of the upcoming shows in the Los Angeles area. I won't be able to attend every one of these, but I hope to hit as many as possible...

First up on February 19th is the monstrous Iron Maiden show at the Forum, one of their only U.S. West Coast dates for the "Somewhere Back In Time" retrospective tour. Unfortunately, I cannot attend this one due to a work committment. Needless to say, I'm disappointed since I haven't seen Iron Maiden live since the "Powerslave" Tour on December 21st, 1984. If I can make this one, I'll have to scrounge for a ticket (eBay, probably). Ugh.

On February 29th is Napalm Death, DevilDriver, and some throwaway acts. This is on a Friday at the HOB WH, so I'll probably go to this one. Personally, it's a total travesty that DevilDriver is headlining over Napalm Death. Give me a break...

Unfortunately, I'll have to miss Nile on March 20th at the Key Club. I'll be on vacation in Hawaii. Oh, well. I'm hoping that Nile will do a second hop through North America...

In April, things start picking up. First up, on April 12th, is Testament, Death Angel, and Laaz Rockit at the Key Club. This falls on a Saturday, so it's on the list. I never have gotten around to seeing Testamant and the last time that I saw Death Angel was during the very first Milwaukee Metalfest in the summer of 1987. I even briefly spoke to Andy Galeon during that show...

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A word about reviews...

To clarify:

I was a staff writer at the British website Live 4 Metal for over 7 years. After a brief second run, editor Steve Green has now permanently closed down Live 4 Metal. I continue to write for Heavy Metal at About.com (editor: Chad Bowar). I am also now a contributing writer to the new 'zine Backlit (editors: Josh Haun and Brandon Duncan), and have just recently joined the staff at both Last Rites and Metal Bandcamp.

I use this blog to write album and concert reviews, as well as other odds and ends that pique my interest.

This is a hobby and nothing more. Hence, my reviews are solely my opinion and are written from the standpoint of a long time fan (I have been listening to metal since about 1978 or so). I do not write reviews from the standpoint of a musician, nor from an ideological point of view.

I do not use this blog to promote, or discuss, ideology, although I am an atheist and I have a scientific background. I do not engage in arguments about the "purity" or ideological slant of artists, but I do draw the line with racism and overt misogyny.

My opinions are impersonal. Negative opinions of an album are in no way meant as an insult to any person or band. If you take offense, please be aware that none was intended. My opinions are mine alone, and are merely based upon what I hear and whether I like what I hear. If you agree with me, fine. If you do not agree with me, that's fine, as well. Feel free to disagree and drop me a line if you wish to engage in a rational discussion. I do not engage in name calling, though, which is the last resort of those that lack the tools to engage in civil discourse.